Political Science Introduction

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Questions and Answers

What is the nature of the term 'political' in political science?

It has a fixed and single definition

It is a multifaceted object with many different features and aspects (correct)

It is a static concept that does not change over time

It is only related to government institutions

What is the primary focus of the essentialist understanding of politics?

The transversal nature of politics in society

The power dynamics between different social groups

The specific things that are considered politics, such as elections and government (correct)

The relationship between those who govern and those who are governed

What is the pragmatic understanding of politics?

An extensive vision of politics that is transversal to society (correct)

A vision of politics that is only concerned with power struggles

A limited vision of politics that only focuses on government institutions

A vision of politics that is static and unchanging

What are the three dimensions of the word 'political'?

Polity, Politics, and Policy Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'polity'?

How living together is politically organized Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'politics'?

All that has to do with political processes and activities Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'policy'?

The regulation of societal problems by government Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'politique' in the context of political science?

That which relates to the government of a society as a whole Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of political science as an academic discipline?

To understand the political functioning of societies on a scientific basis Signup and view all the answers

What is not a characteristic of social sciences, including political science?

Normative judgment Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of policy analysis in political science?

Policies Signup and view all the answers

According to Max Weber, what is the importance of axiological neutrality in social sciences?

It allows for the analysis of data without value judgment Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of international relations in political science?

Power relations between states Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered one of the founding figures of political science?

Aristotle Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a social science?

The study of human society and social relationships Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Political Science

Politics is a multifaceted object that is all about power and the relationship between those who govern and those who are governed.
The definition of politics has two understandings:
Essentialist understanding: specific things that are considered politics, forming a distinct compartment of society.
Pragmatic understanding: a transversal concept that can be seen in various aspects of society.

Dimensions of Politics

The word "political" has three dimensions:
Polity: how living together is politically organized, including civil government, constitution, and political proposals.
Politics: all activities related to political processes, such as campaigns, parties, and citizen expression.
Policy: how governments regulate societal problems and propose solutions.

What is Political Science?

Political science is an academic discipline that aims to understand the political functioning of societies on a scientific basis.
It is not normative, does not say what is good or bad, and tries to explain and develop theories beyond specific cases.
Political science is not:
The discourse of political actors, meant to convince.
The work of think tanks, oriented by ideological values.
Political philosophy, which is normative.
Political journalism, which comments on facts or current events.

Social sciences, including political science, have three major characteristics:
Axiological neutrality: analysis without value judgment.
Ambition of systemization: identifying trends, patterns, and regularities using theories and concepts.
Use of scientific method: qualitative and quantitative methods, such as statistics, interviews, and archives.

Branches of Political Science

Political science is a crossroads discipline with several branches:
Political theory and political institutions (polity).
Political sociology (politics).
Policy analysis (policies).
International relations (power relations between states).
There are also different schools of thought and national variations in political science.

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Description

Explore the foundational concepts of political science, including the definition and multifaceted nature of politics, power relationships, and governance.